New & Notable, October 2025

Step into the Oz Dust Ball — A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Generosity

Get ready to sparkle and give back: the Pittsburgh Oz Dust Ball takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, with doors opening at 7 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh. Hosted as an elegant, Oz-inspired evening, the ball blends vintage Hollywood glamour with whimsical nods to the yellow brick road — expect signature cocktails, curated hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction, and photo moments that make for a memorable night. Whether you arrive in formal attire or a playful yellow-brick-road reference, come for the fun and leave knowing your ticket helped support community causes. Tickets are limited — reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pittsburgh-oz-dust-ball-tickets-1493385178269.

The Shindig Charitable Festival Raises Funds for Local First Responders

The Shindig Charitable Music Festival, presented by My Preferred Insurance & HomeSolutions, proudly raised $22,000 for local first responders, including the Harmony Fire District, Zelienople Police Department, Harmony EMS, and Jackson Township Police Department. Each department expressed gratitude for the donation, which will go toward programming such as training and equipment to help them continue to serve the community.

Join the 2025 Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Step Forward for Hope and Healing

Lace up your sneakers and make every step count at the 2025 Pittsburgh Walk to End Alzheimer’s, happening Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Highmark Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Event registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The opening ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 11 a.m. More than just a walk, the day brings together families, friends, caregivers, and advocates united in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Participants carry colorful Promise Garden flowers that symbolize their personal connections to the cause — from honoring loved ones to showing support for ongoing research. Whether you walk as an individual, form a team, or simply come to cheer, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Every step taken moves us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, contact Lynzy Groves at 412-407-3948 x1133 or lsgroves@alz.org.

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh Offers Culture, Beer, and Community

Raise a stein: Oktoberfest Pittsburgh returns Oct. 2–12, 2025, spreading across Fort Duquesne Boulevard (westbound from Stanwix to 7th Street) and including the 6th Street Bridge. For 11 days, you’ll find German-inspired food stalls, live music, polka dancing, family activities, and beer gardens — plus carnival games and culture for all ages. If you’re looking for lively nights with friends, a chance to try schnitzel and strudel, or just to soak in a festive atmosphere, this event is a fall must.

Barktoberfest

Pups are taking over the Town Square Bark-et for the annual Barktoberfest celebration! Dress up with your furry friend and head over to the Armstrong Great Lawn for an afternoon of fall fun, happening Friday, October 17 from 3-6:30 p.m. Treat your pet to handcrafted accessories, custom keepsakes, tasty snacks & more. Be sure to stop by the photobooth to snap a pic with your pet! Oktoberfest brews from Aviva on the Rocks are on tap, along with LIVE music from 4:30-6:30 p.m. by local classic rock & blues artist, The Waterview Band. Location: Town Square Market, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

Stop the Judgment Presents Stand Up Against Stigma

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, when internationally acclaimed illusionist and comedian Murray SawChuck (America’s Got Talent, Masters of Illusion) takes the stage at the Steamfitters Event Center in Harmony, Pa. Doors open at 6 p.m. for an evening where laughter and magic meet purpose. Hosted by the nonprofit Stop the Judgment Project, this one-night event blends high-energy entertainment with a powerful mission: raising funds to expand educational workshops in local schools that tackle mental health and substance use stigma. Guests can expect an unforgettable show, community connection, and the chance to help double the number of workshops offered across Western Pennsylvania in the coming year. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at stopthejudgment.org — secure your spot for a night that proves laughter really can change lives.

Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival — Fall Fun Huge in the Strip

Pumpkin lovers, mark your calendars: the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival takes over the Strip District on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18–19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., both days at The Stacks at 3 Crossings, between 28th and 29th streets. Expect giant pumpkin displays, carriage rides through Misty Lane Farms, and the beloved LECOM “Costume Caper” 5K Fun Run/Walk (yes, in costumes). Highlights include fierce pumpkin pie eats, larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, and family-friendly photo spots. With free admission (outside of food and select vendors), it’s the perfect autumn outing for neighbors, plant pickers, and pumpkin enthusiasts alike.

Mia Mihelich Promotion at Dollar Bank

Dollar Bank has promoted Mia Mihelich to AVP, Loan Centers, effective July 17. She joined the bank in April 2012 as a customer service representative and the Loan Center in 2020. This was her first job since immigrating to the U.S. in 2011, and it marks her 13th year with the company.